AL HB238

Establishes a solicitor's fee in all juvenile, traffic, criminal, and quasi-criminal cases in Etowah County courts, set equal to docket fees or court costs assessed upon conviction and distributed to the Fair Trial Tax Fund.

Requires collection of the solicitor's fee in cases where a defendant is adjudged guilty, a bond is forfeited, a penalty is imposed, or an arrest warrant is issued.

Makes the solicitor's fee in addition to all other fees and costs, and prohibits waiver or remission unless the defendant proves inability to pay within the reasonably foreseeable future.

Allows the district attorney to expend collected fees for law enforcement expenses and office operations as the district attorney determines appropriate.

Takes effect upon passage, approval by the Governor, and ratification of a constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide additional court costs in Etowah County.